Cardboard recycling stations aim to minimize move-in waste

Sep 1, 2010By Monica Chapman

Along with the college essentials, most incoming students move into their new university residences with a bundle of cardboard boxes.

This move-in weekend, OHIO is urging students to take the first steps toward going green by recycling their move-in cardboard. To assist the effort, cardboard recycling stations have been set up by every trash and recycling area for the residence halls.

"The main thing that students need to know is this: Don't put cardboard in the trash dumpsters," said Recycling and Refuse Manager Ed Newman. "Just getting it to the recycling site is half the battle."

OHIO's Recycling and Refuse Department will have crews of four to eight students working continuously from Sept. 1 through Sept. 6 to assist with campus recycling efforts. Signs have also been posted throughout the residential housing areas, directing the flow of waste and recyclables.

Each year, move-in weekend generates approximately 70 tons of recycled cardboard, in addition to 15 to 20 tons of trash, according to Newman.

"Eighty percent of our waste is being recovered during that time," said Newman. "But we have those recycling opportunities throughout the year, and I would hope that we can continue that trend after move-in weekend."